Congo N’est Pas à Vendre requests disclosure of the list of beneficial owners of Primera Gold and Primera Metals. This citizen coalition notably criticized the tax and commercial advantages granted to these two companies for the exclusive export of gold, coltan and artisanal mining tin produced in the eastern provinces of Congo. .
These commercial and tax advantages are extremely generous. Indeed, the two companies will benefit from a 25-year export monopoly, with very advantageous tax relief, in particular a single rate of 0.25%, ten times less than that of other exporting companies. Thus, if Primera Gold achieves a turnover of one billion US dollars, the Congolese State will only receive 2.5 million in taxes!
The CNPAV recognizes the need to fight against mining fraud and smuggling in eastern Congo but deplores the transparency around the real beneficiaries of these two companies. He therefore calls for the publication of the complete list of the real beneficiaries of Primera Gold and Primera Metals, the removal of the export monopoly granted to these two companies as well as the clarification of these enormous tax breaks.
The partnership contract between the Congolese government and the two companies should both contribute to the fight against mining fraud and smuggling and generate substantial revenue for the Congolese state and the provinces concerned. However, the tax and commercial advantages granted to Primera Gold and Primera Metals risk weakening Congolese public finances.
It is important that these benefits benefit the Congolese people as a whole, and not just a few economic actors with monopolies over the country’s mineral resources. The economic and social stability of the country depends on the integrity of economic practices and the responsible use of natural resources